Min Aung Hlaing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Min Aung Hlaing
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မင်းအောင်လှိုင်
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Min Aung Hlaing in 2021
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| Chairman of the State Administration Council | |
| Assumed office 2 February 2021 |
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| President | Myint Swe (acting) Himself (acting) |
| Deputy | Soe Win (general) |
| Preceded by | Aung San Suu Kyi (as State Counsellor) |
| Acting President of Myanmar | |
| Assumed office 22 July 2024 |
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| Prime Minister | Himself |
| Vice President | Myint Swe |
| Preceded by | Myint Swe (acting) |
| 12th Prime Minister of Myanmar | |
| Assumed office 1 August 2021 |
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| President | Myint Swe (acting) Himself (acting) |
| Deputy |
See list
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| Preceded by | Thein Sein (2011) |
| Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services | |
| Assumed office 30 March 2011 |
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| President | Thein Sein Htin Kyaw Myint Swe (acting) Win Myint Myint Swe (acting) Himself (acting) |
| Deputy | Soe Win (general) |
| State Counsellor | Aung San Suu Kyi |
| Preceded by | Than Shwe |
| Joint Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces | |
| In office June 2010 – 30 March 2011 |
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| Commander-in-Chief | Than Shwe |
| Preceded by | Shwe Mann |
| Succeeded by | Hla Htay Win |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 July 1956 Minbu, Magway Region, Burma (now Myanmar) |
| Citizenship | Burmese |
| Spouse | Kyu Kyu Hla |
| Children | Multiple, including: Aung Pyae Sone Khin Thiri Thet Mon |
| Alma mater | Rangoon Arts and Sciences University (LL.B) Defence Services Academy |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Tatmadaw |
| Branch/service |  Myanmar Army |
| Years of service | 1974–present |
| Rank |  Senior General |
| Battles/wars | Internal conflict in Myanmar
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Min Aung Hlaing (Burmese: မင်းအောင်လှိုင်; born 3 July 1956) is a top army general in Myanmar. He has been in charge of the country since February 2021. This was when he took power in a military takeover. He became the chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC).
In August 2021, he also made himself the Prime Minister of Myanmar. By July 2024, he took on the duties of the President of Myanmar. Before this, he led the Tatmadaw (Myanmar's armed forces) as their Commander-in-chief of Defence Services. He took this role in March 2011. He was chosen by the previous military leader, Than Shwe, who then retired.
Min Aung Hlaing has been a very important person in Myanmar's government and military for over ten years. He rose through the ranks of the Tatmadaw. He was known as a disciplined and smart officer. In 2010, he became the Joint Chief of Staff. This made him a key figure in the military. Then, in March 2011, he became the Commander-in-Chief. This move helped the military keep its power even as the country started to have a civilian government.
As Commander-in-Chief, Min Aung Hlaing worked to make the Tatmadaw more modern. He focused on better training and equipment. He also made sure the military kept control over important parts of the government. This included defense and home affairs. This showed his goal to keep the military's power in politics and business.
In February 2021, Min Aung Hlaing said there were problems with the 2020 Myanmar general election. He then declared a state of emergency. He took control of the country as head of the State Administration Council (SAC). He said this was needed to keep the country stable. He also promised to hold new elections. However, many people in Myanmar and other countries did not agree with his actions. This led to a lot of unrest and economic problems.
Despite this, he stressed that the Tatmadaw was important for the country's unity. In August 2021, he became Prime Minister. He shared plans for government changes and future elections. By July 2024, he took over presidential duties. This made his control over Myanmar even stronger. His leadership has received different reactions. Some military supporters agree with him. But many pro-democracy groups are strongly against him. Other countries have criticized his actions and put sanctions on Myanmar.
Min Aung Hlaing was born in Minbu, Magway Region, Burma. He studied law before joining the military. By 2013, he had become a senior general. During the time of civilian rule (2011-2021), he worked to keep the military's role in politics. He also slowed down the peace efforts with different armed groups. A United Nations group said he was involved in serious actions against the Rohingya people. He had a difficult relationship with the elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Min Aung Hlaing claimed there were many problems with the 2020 election. In that election, Aung San Suu Kyi's party won by a lot. He then took power from her in the 2021 coup. He had been expected to run for President of Myanmar if the military's party had won enough seats. After the coup, many people protested his rule. Min Aung Hlaing ordered a harsh response. This led to an ongoing civil war.
His forces have used tough methods in the civil war. This includes airstrikes on civilians. He also ordered the execution of people who supported democracy. This was the first time the death penalty was used in decades. In February 2024, he started a law to draft 60,000 young people into the army. In foreign matters, he has worked closely with Russia, China, and India. Many countries have put international sanctions on him and his government. This is because of human rights problems and corruption. Myanmar is now seen as a "pariah state" by some. In 2022, Myanmar was rated as one of the least democratic countries in the world.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Min Aung Hlaing was born on 3 July 1956 in Minbu, Magway Region, Burma (now Myanmar). His parents were teachers. His family moved to Mandalay when he was five years old. His father was an artist.
He passed his high school exam in 1972 in Yangon. He studied law at the Rangoon Arts and Science University from 1973 to 1974. After two tries, he was accepted into the Defence Services Academy in 1974. He finished his studies there in 1977. His classmates said he was quiet and not very noticeable. He was often alone because of his reserved nature.
Military Career
After graduating, Min Aung Hlaing served in different military roles. He slowly moved up the ranks. As he gained more power, he became known as a very strict officer. His work in the military earned him the support of Senior General Than Shwe. Min Aung Hlaing was known for a "big man" leadership style. This meant he did not often listen to others.
In 2002, he became the commander of a military area in eastern Shan State. He was important in talks with two rebel groups there. Min Aung Hlaing was said to be close with former Thai prime minister Prem Tinsulanonda. He saw Prem as a father figure.
Min Aung Hlaing supported the military's strong actions during the Saffron Revolution in 2008. He became more well-known in 2009 after leading an attack against a rebel group in Kokang. In June 2010, he took over from General Shwe Mann as Joint Chief of Staff for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
After becoming Joint Chief of Staff, Min Aung Hlaing's power in Myanmar's military grew a lot. This role gave him control over all parts of the armed forces. He used this to make the military's role in the country stronger. He always believed the military should be in charge, especially during national problems. He often did not want peaceful talks with ethnic armed groups. Instead, he preferred military action. This caused more tension with these groups.
Min Aung Hlaing also became known as a strong defender of national security. He led military actions in areas with conflict. He often put military strength first, even over humanitarian concerns. This led to more criticism from inside and outside Myanmar. But he still believed that strong military rule was the only way to keep Myanmar stable.
When he became the Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services in 2011, Min Aung Hlaing had a lot of experience. He was known for being a tough officer. His leadership was key during a difficult time for Myanmar. The country was facing calls for change from many sides. As Commander-in-Chief, he made sure the Tatmadaw stayed a powerful force in Myanmar's government.
His influence went beyond just the military. He helped shape the country's future. This was especially true as Myanmar started talking about political changes. But Min Aung Hlaing wanted the military to keep control. So, any changes remained largely under military influence. True democratic change seemed far away.
As Commander-in-Chief, Min Aung Hlaing's power kept growing. He became one of the most powerful people in Myanmar's recent history. His smart thinking and control over the armed forces set the stage for his later role in Myanmar's politics. His actions during this time would shape the country for years to come.
Early Military Service
Min Aung Hlaing finished the Defence Services Academy (DSA) in 1977. He was then sent to a Light Infantry Battalion. Former President of Myanmar Thein Sein also served in this group.
In 1979, as a Lieutenant, Min Aung Hlaing was an Intelligence Officer. This was during a military operation against the Communist Party of Burma.
In 1989, as a Captain, Min Aung Hlaing took part in the Battle of Kawmoora. This was a fight between the army and the Karen National Union (KNU). The army tried many times to take the base but failed. They stopped in 1990 after many soldiers were hurt.
Min Aung Hlaing was known to carry a small Buddha statue for protection during battles. He would give speeches telling young officers to be brave. But he rarely led missions against enemy troops himself.
He had limited combat experience as a junior officer. He only took part in two major battles and had small roles. He carried a Buddha figurine near the front lines. This showed his personal beliefs and the stress faced by officers in war. His early years focused more on planning and command than direct fighting.
Despite this, his early service taught him a lot about how the military worked. He started to build relationships with important people. These early experiences shaped his view. He believed in strict discipline and keeping the military's power in Myanmar.
As a Battalion Leader
Min Aung Hlaing was once a Major leading a Light Infantry Battalion. During this time, he put the pregnant wife of a soldier in prison. He said she was jailed because her husband had left the army. Another officer, Colonel Kyaw Thu, found the woman. He told Min Aung Hlaing that this was wrong and ordered her release. The woman was freed because of the Colonel's help.
Min Aung Hlaing had a history of such actions even as a Battalion Commander. So, it was not a surprise when similar actions happened to people after the 2021 coup.
As DSA Head
Min Aung Hlaing was the 19th head of the Defence Services Academy (DSA). He had graduated from the same academy. During his time there, he was involved in an event with Nay Shwe Thway Aung, the 8-year-old grandson of Senior General Than Shwe. The grandson visited the academy. Min Aung Hlaing stopped a training session to organize a football match for him. He often asked about the grandson's well-being. This was different from his usual strict behavior towards other officers.
Min Aung Hlaing was known for strictly following military rules. He reported several coaches and cadets for small mistakes. For example, not wearing helmets on motorcycles. People thought he did this to get promoted to Major General. Because of his reports, many officers and cadets faced problems in their careers. Many could not get promoted beyond the rank of Captain.
Leading the Armed Forces
Military Reforms and Peace Efforts (2011–2015)
Around 2011, the military started making political changes. They wanted to move Myanmar towards a kind of democracy. The ruling military group left power after the 2010 Myanmar general election. The military's party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), won the election. On 30 March 2011, Senior General Than Shwe chose Min Aung Hlaing to take his place as Commander-in-Chief. Min Aung Hlaing then oversaw military changes. He also supported the USDP government's efforts to make peace deals with different armed groups.
Soon after becoming Commander-in-Chief, he removed some top generals. This created an atmosphere of fear among high-ranking officers.
In November 2011, Min Aung Hlaing met with Chinese military officials. He also helped create a defense agreement with China. It was believed he talked with Chinese vice-president Xi Jinping about cooperation on the Kachin Conflict.
On 27 March 2012, Min Aung Hlaing gave a speech. He said the military should continue to play a role in Myanmar's politics. On 3 April 2012, the government announced he was promoted to vice-senior general. This is the second highest rank. In March 2013, he became a senior general. This is the highest rank in Myanmar's armed forces.
In 2014, Min Aung Hlaing was almost 60 years old. This is the age when military officers usually retire. But the military changed the rules for him. This allowed him to stay in his position until he was 65, in 2021.
In August 2015, the USDP party had problems. President Thein Sein removed a group led by Shwe Mann. Shwe Mann was a former general. Min Aung Hlaing oversaw the military's direct action to remove Shwe Mann. This showed the military wanted to keep pushing its own plans. Shwe Mann had wanted laws that would reduce the military's power.
Shift to Civilian Rule and Military Actions (2016–2020)
The 2015 Myanmar general election was won by the National League for Democracy (NLD). This party was led by Aung San Suu Kyi. With the NLD in power, Min Aung Hlaing focused on getting state power back for the military. He refused to work with the civilian government. This slowed down Myanmar's peace efforts. As the NLD took power, Min Aung Hlaing increased military actions against the Rohingya. This started in October 2016. In August 2020, he warned the NLD not to blame the military for ongoing conflicts.
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Min Aung Hlaing also started showing interest in civilian politics. He began to act more like a statesman. He also became more forceful about the military's role. Before the 2020 Myanmar general election, he worked with the USDP. He wanted to become the next President. In 2019, Min Aung Hlaing made many public appearances. He visited religious sites and charity events. This made people wonder about his political goals. He also created two Facebook pages. These pages gained millions of followers. In January 2020, Min Aung Hlaing met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Fighting with the Arakan Army became more intense during this time. The military was accused of targeting civilians. In March 2019, a lawmaker wrote an open letter to Min Aung Hlaing. It was about human rights problems by the military in Rakhine State.
Events from 2020 to Present
In February 2020, Min Aung Hlaing and his wife visited a temple in Bagan. They placed a special umbrella on top of the Htilominlo Temple. The temple's name means "need the royal umbrella, need the King." Many people believed this ceremony was to bring him good luck and power.
In November 2020, Min Aung Hlaing made public comments. He questioned if the upcoming 2020 election would be fair. This might have broken civil service laws. On November 5, the military said Min Aung Hlaing's rank was equal to the Vice President of Myanmar. After voting, he promised to accept the election results. But the 2020 election saw the NLD win even more votes than in 2015. This stopped Min Aung Hlaing's political plans.
The military then started saying there were many problems with the election. They sent formal complaints to the election commission. On 27 January 2021, Min Aung Hlaing said he might take over the government. He also said he might get rid of the constitution. This would happen if election fraud claims were not fixed. These comments worried many people. The next day, the election commission said there was no proof of fraud. On January 29, the military said they would follow the constitution.
On 1 February 2021, Min Aung Hlaing detained elected leaders. This included President Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi. He declared himself Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar. This was one day before new lawmakers were supposed to start their jobs. The next day, he created the State Administration Council (SAC). This became the country's temporary ruling body.
On 22 May 2021, Min Aung Hlaing gave his first interview since the coup. He said that Aung San Suu Kyi was "in good health" and would "face trial at the court in a few days." On the same day, it was reported that he had made himself the permanent commander-in-chief. This made him the actual leader of Myanmar.
Six months after the coup, on 1 August 2021, Min Aung Hlaing formed a temporary government. He made himself the country's prime minister. He also remained the Chairman of the SAC.
In April 2023, Min Aung Hlaing was named one of Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People of 2023."
Myanmar Civil War
After four people who supported democracy were executed in July 2022, many leaders condemned the actions. In September 2022, Min Aung Hlaing met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia. This was their first meeting since the 2021 coup.
In January 2023, Min Aung Hlaing created a new election law. This law was seen as a way to help the USDP win the next election. He himself is thought to be a possible candidate for President.
Min Aung Hlaing did not give up his emergency powers in February 2023. This delayed new elections even more.
In March 2023, Min Aung Hlaing appeared in public at a military parade. He said his government would keep fighting against resistance groups. He called his critics supporters of "terrorism."
Starting in January 2024, some military supporters criticized Min Aung Hlaing. They said he was not good at his job and too focused on himself. This happened after the military faced many defeats. In February 2024, Min Aung Hlaing started a law to draft 60,000 young people into the army. Men aged 18–35 and women aged 18–27 must serve up to five years. If they refuse, they could face five years in prison.
In March 2024, Min Aung Hlaing claimed that young people were being tricked into supporting the resistance. He also accused "some powerful nations" of trying to interfere in Myanmar's matters.
In April 2024, Min Aung Hlaing was at the Defence Services Academy. He escaped a rocket attack by a resistance group.
According to state media, resistance groups tried to kill Min Aung Hlaing in June 2024. They used explosives and guns.
On 22 July 2024, Min Aung Hlaing became acting President. This happened after Myint Swe took medical leave.
In January 2025, a group of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) decided to keep Min Aung Hlaing from attending their meetings. Myanmar's participation would be limited to a non-political level.
Min Aung Hlaing's rise to power in February 2021 led to a harsh crackdown on people who disagreed with him. For example, a well-known democracy activist was arrested in October 2024. The military's strong control in Myanmar was set up by the previous leader, Than Shwe.
Concerns About Corruption
Min Aung Hlaing has faced questions about his family's many businesses. People worry about possible conflicts of interest. He owns a large share in the army-owned company, Myanma Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL). In 2010-2011, he owned 5,000 shares. He received a yearly payment of $250,000. He is also on the board that runs this company.
His son, Aung Pyae Sone, owns several companies. These include a construction company and an insurance company. He also owns most of a national phone company called Mytel. In 2013, his son received a government permit without having to bid for it. This was for a 30-year lease on land in Yangon. He built a fancy restaurant and art gallery there. This happened after his father became Commander-in-Chief. His son also runs a company that helps get approvals for medicines and medical devices. The head of Myanmar's customs department used to work for MEHL.
His daughter, Khin Thiri Thet Mon, started a big film studio in 2017. That same year, his daughter-in-law started another entertainment company. The US Embassy in Yangon was criticized in December 2020. This was because they worked with his daughter's film studio. Min Aung Hlaing is technically under US economic sanctions.
Human Rights Concerns
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has reported that Min Aung Hlaing's soldiers have targeted civilians. This happened in northern Myanmar. They have also been accused of serious human rights problems against minority groups in Rakhine State. Specifically, he has been accused of actions against the Rohingya people. These actions could be considered very serious crimes against humanity.
In 2018, a UN investigation said that Min Aung Hlaing and other generals oversaw terrible actions against the Rohingya and other groups. The UN panel said that Min Aung Hlaing and four other commanders should be tried for these actions. This could happen in the International Criminal Court (ICC) or another international court.
Facebook banned Min Aung Hlaing from its platform. They also banned 19 other Myanmar officials and groups. This was to stop more ethnic and religious tensions. This happened after the UN report said military leaders should be investigated. Twitter also banned him in May 2019.
The United States has put sanctions on Min Aung Hlaing. In July 2019, the US government banned him from traveling to the US. In December 2020, they froze his assets in America. They also made it illegal for anyone in the US to do financial deals with him.
Request for Arrest Warrant
In November 2024, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) asked for an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing. The prosecutor said there were good reasons to believe Min Aung Hlaing was responsible for crimes against humanity.
International Sanctions
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has put sanctions on Min Aung Hlaing since December 2019. These sanctions target people involved in serious human rights abuses and corruption. He has committed serious human rights abuses against minority groups in Myanmar. The US sanctions freeze his assets in the US. They also ban financial deals between him and any US person. In 2022, he was also sanctioned because of the 2021 coup. The US also sanctioned some companies owned or controlled by him or his friends.
The Government of Canada has put sanctions on him since February 2021. This is because of the serious human rights situation in Myanmar. Canadian sanctions freeze his assets and ban deals with any Canadian person.
The HM Treasury and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom have put sanctions on him since February 2021. This is because he is responsible for serious human rights problems in Myanmar. UK sanctions freeze his assets in the UK and ban him from traveling to the UK.
The Council of the European Union has also put sanctions on him since March 2021. This is because of the 2021 coup and the military's actions against peaceful protesters. EU sanctions freeze his assets and ban him from entering or passing through EU countries.
Personal Life
Min Aung Hlaing married Kyu Kyu Hla in 1980. She was a retired lecturer. They have several children. These include a son, Aung Pyae Sone, and a daughter, Khin Thiri Thet Mon.
Promotions
Major General – 2008/2009
Lieutenant General – Late 2009
General – Early 2011
Vice-Senior General – Early 2012
Senior General – March 2013
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Awards and Honors
Myanmar Honors
On 17 April 2022, Min Aung Hlaing gave himself Myanmar's two highest titles. These were the Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma and the Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu.
In October 2019, the Young Men's Buddhist Association (YMBA) gave him the title of Mingaladhamma Zawtika Dhaza. They also made him a permanent patron. In December 2020, YMBA gave him another title, Thado Thiri Agga Maha Mingalar Zawtika.
Foreign Honors
- 2013 -
Thailand: 
The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand, Knight Grand Cross (1st Class), Thailand - 2018 -
Malaysia: 
The Most Gallant Order of Military Service, Gallant Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces (Darjah Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera), Honorary Malaysian Armed Forces Order for Valor (1st Degree), Malaysia. - 2018 - Thailand:
The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant, Knight Grand Cross (1st Class), Thailand - 2020 -
Russia: 
Medal "For strengthening the military commonwealth" (Ministry of Defense, Russia) - 2020 - Russia:
Badge of Honor of FSMTC "For the Merits in the Field of Military-Technical Cooperation" - 2023 - Russia:
The Order of Alexander Nevsky for "his valuable endeavours to develop multi-sectoral cooperation with the Russian Federation"
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See also
In Spanish: Min Aung Hlaing para niños
